Government plenipotentiary for euro introduction Igor Barat ceremoniously cut the first part of the "eurometer" on Wednesday, which will gradually become shorter and shorter until the moment, when Slovakia will exchange its crown for the single European currency. Mr. Barat expressed his wish to wake up in a country with the euro as a valid currency in a year. He stressed that in contrast to other countries Slovakia is the only state in the region with a realistically scheduled date for the euro adoption in January 2009.
In Mr. Barat's words, all steps are leading to the fulfillment of the planned date of the euro introduction. He emphasized that no risks are known that would put the meeting of the date at risk. He called 2008 the year of intense preparatory works and of information campaign designed for the Slovak public, a part of which will be the symbolic cutting of the aforementioned meter, as well. "I am convinced that in 365 days a festive atmosphere will prevail in Slovakia as it was in Cyprus and Malta at the beginning of this year and in Slovenia a year ago," he added. The most intense part of the information campaign will start in the second half of this year, when Slovakia's acceptance in the Eurozone will be confirmed officially and following the determination of the conversion exchange rate, which will regulate the exchange of the Slovak crown for the euro.
The first phase of information campaign about the adoption of the single European currency in Slovakia started at the beginning of this year. The main part will run through TV, radio and individual discussions and talks. The second phase will start in June and July 2008, respectively, following the announcement of the conversion exchange rate. This phase will focus on promotion. The third phase, which will last from the end of July until October 2008, will deal with providing information material to vulnerable groups of people. "The Day of the Euro" is scheduled for this stage and is supposed to take place 100 days prior to the planned adoption of the euro. Each household will receive a brochure about the euro and a euro-calculator during the fourth phase of the information campaign. Citizens will be informed about the most efficient exchange of the Slovak crown for the euro in the November-December period. During the dual circulation of both currencies, from January 1 to January 16, 2009, the sixth phase of the campaign will take place to advise citizens what to do if they fail to exchange all crowns for the euro. The final phase of the campaign will follow after the end of dual circulation, namely after January 16, 2009. It will inform about possible exchange of remaining crowns for the euro. Discussion and talks about the new currency will continue in this final stage.
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